The work of the Quality Fruit Group (QFG), which operates under the aegis of English Apples and Pears (EAP), is key to establishing good relationships between buyers and sellers working in partnership, according to Ben Gill, EAP chairman.
Speaking two weeks ago at the annual Tesco apple conference, he said:
"The QFG is working towards a balanced chain of co-ordinated supply and marketing schedules to fit the available crop, with monthly stock reports for both the UK and imports.”
While there has been an increase in demand for English fruit, he also stressed the ongoing need to educate the consumer about the benefits of eating a healthy product.
But there are aspects that still need clarification, he insisted, such as what is actually meant by the term “local”, as well as the implementation of clear standards for all major varieties.
Looking to the future, Gill believes that cost analysis for every orchard will become crucial, while irrigation and hail netting must be part of orchard development.
He foresaw that this could lead to planning considerations such as the soft-fruit industry has experienced. “But how do we as an industry explain to the customer the benefits, and how can it be justified in a simple way?” he asked the audience.
However, Gill concluded that of paramount importance is that returns justify the expense of any quality improvements that are made.
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